knoxnick37919

Age old question...

Taxi vs train from CDG to 7th arrondissement.

Arriving at 5:40a with two children and carry-on luggage. We only have 48 hours in Paris as this is just a stop-over on a return journey to the U.S. Therefore our main priority for transportation is time rather than price (within reason).

By the time we get out of the airport it will likely be about 7a, so unfortunately we will likely be hitting prime rush-hour traffic. Which is the quickest trip, taxi or train?

Thanks in advance!

Whathello

taxi.
7 am is NOT rush hour in Paris. rush hour doesn't start before 8, even 8 30.
Price is equivalent (say 55 for taxi, 35 for RER).

aliced

RER B to Luxembourg Gardens stop and taxi to your hotel from there.

TPAYT

With 2 kids I'd book a private car, probably 80-90 Euros. Check with your hotel.
We've tried it all, train, cab, private car.
Yes, private car is higher cost BUT!!!! And with just 48 hrs........worth it.

2nd choice---But there is something about

TPAYT

Oops!

2nd choice---cab, but there is something about seeing your name on a card and a welcoming smile to take you to the 7th when you only have a short time in such a wonderful city.

KTtravel

Taxi or private car. With two children and limited time, the ease of a taxi or car will be well worth it.

Fodorite018

We have also done this with young children and taxis were so easy to use. We attempted the private car once, but they were a no show. It took several phone calls before they arrived, and then they were a no show for our return trip, so needless to say I am not a fan of that mode of transportation. With young kids, I would just opt for a taxi that is already there and quick and easy.

Seamus

Hands down, taxi. Just walk out the door to the licensed taxi queue, you'll be on your way in minutes, delivered to your destination with no need for transfers.

fuzzbucket

Since March 1, 2016, there is a flat rate fee for taxis to and from both airports in Paris.
Left Bank rates are 50 EU from CDG and 30 from ORY.
Right Bank rates are 55 EU and 35 EU.
The flat rate fee is good for up to 4 passengers (including children). More than 4 passengers will pay 4 EU apiece in addition to the flat rate.
There is no more baggage fee.

I would take a taxi. At that hour of the morning, you'll be at your lodging in about 30 minutes.

When you're ready to leave Paris, reserve the day before online or by phone (English speaking operators) with TaxisG7, and be waiting outside on the sidewalk about 5 minutes before scheduled pickup time.

Whathello

If indeed you want to stick with habits that are valid in the U.S. Take a private car.
In Paris it means you increase both the price and the unreliability.
But for some it makes them feel better.
No French takes a private car.

rosemaryoz

I just did this trip myself four weeks ago, and took the train (with 30kg luggage plus carry-on) to Luxembourg, then came up from Metro to street level and caught a taxi <10 mins to my hotel...was there within the hour from CDG. But my arrival was a couple of hours later in the morning, so I would have been in peakhour traffic otherwise. It was straightforward for me on my own. The train ticket cost 10 euros and the taxi was 10 euros.

But if I had young children plus all that baggage to lug up and down station levels, I would catch a taxi from CDG at that time of day. Save some stress on arrival!

DonTopaz

Fuzzbucket is almost right, except the prices are backward: It's a flat rate of 55€ for the 7th or anywhere else on the left bank, 50€ flat rate for the right bank.

Traffic on the roads will be no factor at the time you arrive. (Presumably, you won't be arriving tomorrow, when there is a transit strike planned.)

Sarastro

You can have your entire family in a taxi, on your way to your hotel before you will have made your way to the train station and purchased tickets.

Taxis do have their own lane southbound on A1 into Paris which will help shorten the en route time. (This lane is not available to shuttles.) My experience is that traffic will be heavy after the express lane, from A86 southbound into the city and relatively heavy within Paris at that time in the morning. However, with luggage and children I would not even consider any other option. 55€ is very reasonable for relatively fast, door to door service.

Do not accept offers from clandestine drivers soliciting from within the terminals. Proceed to the official taxi queues from steps from the Customs exits. If there is a taxi line, it moves quickly. I would have the destination address written on a piece of paper to have to the driver. Taxi drivers are not typically tipped but if he is helpful with the luggage, I would give him a couple of euros extra.

knoxnick37919

Thanks for all the assistance! Sounds like a taxi is the way to go.